March 18, 1837 in Caldwell, New Jersey- January 24, 1908 Princeton, New Jersey
Political Party: Democrat
Terms: March 4, 1885- March 4, 1889 & March 4, 1893- March 4, 1897
Vice President(s): First Term-Thomas Hendricks (1885-1889) Second Term-Adlai Stevenson (1893-1897)
Thematic Context During both Grover Cleveland’s first and second term Americans were struggling to identify themselves with their rapidly evolving nation. Many events and groups sprouted from the citizen’s varying viewpoints and politics was split in ways it never was before. Most prominent was the division in the Republican party. Shortly before Cleveland’s first term, Republicans split into Stalwarts, led by Roscoe Conkling, and Half-Breeds, led by James Blaine. Their separation was due to different views of the spoils system and though at first it seemed to affect only the Republican party itself, it soon affected many other aspects of politics. In fact, Grover Cleveland owes much of his first victory to this quarrel. American Republicans struggled to identify themselves as a united party, and when James Blaine was nominated as the Republican candidate during the 1884 election, Republicans disagreeing with him fled from their party. These deserters, called Mugwumps, joined the Democrats in support of Cleveland, and definitely contributed to his presidential victory. Later, throughout both of Grover Cleveland’s terms, Americans were forced to identify with economic policies, something a bit unfamiliar to them. To begin, there was much controversy on whether gold or silver should become the nation’s currency standard. Americans in debt wanted silver because it allowed them an easier escape from their payments, but others feared the instability that silver could bring. Eventually, this issue caused the Democratic party to split. Also involved with economics, labor disputes and strikes were beginning to become more common in America. Encouraged by the Populist, laborers began to demand fairer wages and other benefits. Both the Pinkerton and Pullman strike raised alarm in Americans over the increasing amount of tension between employers and their employees. When federal troops were sent in to pulverise the Pullman strikers, Americans had two different opinions on the matter. Conservatives were delighted that a strike could be controlled with power, but a massive amount of others feared the relationship between government and businesses. Grover Cleveland was going to be dealing with this issue throughout his terms, especially with the founding of the AFL. All these economic issues that divided the American people also dumped a depression on Cleveland during his second term, one that he did not handle well.
Thesis Grover Cleveland is the only president to have been elected for two terms non-consecutively, and this causes it to be slightly difficult to judge him as a single president. In both of his terms, Cleveland was faced with an unstable and unsure America, and at times he seemed to have a similar mindset. He was plagued by constant economic troubles, and he did not agree with many of the initiatives that Congress wanted to implement. While his decision to repeal the Sherman Silver Purchase Act somewhat helped to lessen the depression, it was largely opposed, much like Cleveland’s deal with J.P Morgan to provide gold to the nation’s dwindling reserve. By the end of his second term, Cleveland had done little to relieve the economic problems of America, and for this he deserves a C.
Goals In his first inaugural address Grover Cleveland expressed his concern for the corruption that was spreading through politics at the time. He stressed the importance of compromise and putting aside private interests for the sake of the common good. He also spoke to the people, and announced that while the government upholds the Constitution and is sworn to protect it, it is also each individual citizen's responsibility to do the same. Cleveland attacked the politicians who were bribed and serving their party rather than the people, stating that their job was to work for the general welfare and not themselves. Cleveland also added that of course America should practice it’s long standing tradition of neutrality involving foreign affairs. Interestingly enough, Grover Cleveland has a small subsection in his first address that the Native Americans occupying the West must be treated “fairly and honestly”. The Dawes Severalty Act and other events involving Natives at the time blatantly defy this statement, and show that “welfare interests” were only truly cared about in the “American” citizens. Overall, Cleveland managed to somewhat integrate his goals into his first term, as he passed the Hatch Act of 1887 to aid agricultural education and founded the Interstate Commerce Act to harness the rampant corruption stemming from the Railroad business (though it was more a nice thought than an action since the ICC was relatively useless until Theodore Roosevelt’s term). In his second inaugural address, Cleveland wastes no time in announcing what he believes is the people’s direct problem. He believed that their own corruption and violence was hindering the government from doing its job, and that personal integrity was the key to improvement. Cleveland also expressed his concern for a “sound and stable currency”. This goal was most likely the reason why Cleveland decided to repeal the Sherman Silver Purchase Act. Also just as apparent in his actions as it was in his speech, Grover Cleveland made it clear that the government would give no economic favor to any group. This was to be expected, as Cleveland had always practiced a “hands-off” policy when it came to the government aiding Americans economically. This stubborn mindset is partially what contributed to the depression that occurred in his second term.
Relationship with Congress During his first term, Cleveland’s fellow Democrats had the majority in the House, but the Republicans had the majority in the Senate. The scale was relatively even, with no party having a significant amount more than the other. During his second term Cleveland seemed relatively secure, having a Democrat majority in both the House and Senate. But in the last two years of his term, the majority flipped to the Republicans, with a massive switch in the House. Cleveland clearly did not mind telling Congress no, as `he vetoed more bills in his two terms than all ,previous presidents combined. His first term alone, he vetoed 414 bills, followed by 170 in his second term. He did not agree with “pork barrel” spending, and one of his most known vetoes was denying Texas drought-stricken farmers government provided seeds. Cleveland also denied nearly all bills pertaining to veteran benefits, which hurt him politically and most likely caused him to lose to Benjamin Harrison. Even when the Wilson-Gorman Tariff was passed in 1894, Cleveland had refused to sign it. Cleveland’s relationship with Congress was only truly productive when Congress did what Cleveland wanted.
Positive Event The issue of silver was detrimental to America’s economy, and the Panic of 1893, which was followed by a depression, highlighted this. The nation’s gold reserves were being quickly depleted, and America was at risk of falling off the gold standard. If the continuous cycle of silver-gold exchange were to continue, America would almost certainly have been in serious danger. Grover Cleveland acknowledged this, and in 1893 he repealed the previous Sherman Silver Purchase Act of 1890, which was what he believed to be the main contributor in draining the gold reserves. This set clear that gold, not silver, would be the nation’s standard currency. When it was followed by Cleveland’s deal with J. P Morgan to ensure a temporary supply of gold, America’s economy was made slightly more stable. While by no means curing the economy or relieving some of the effects of the panic, this decision by Cleveland did help push America away from the hype of silver, though it pushed Cleveland’s party further away from him.
Negative Event Though controversial, Cleveland’s attempt at harnessing strikes and labor unions was probably the most negative event in his presidency. During the Pullman Strike, where entire sections of the nation were unable to use the railroad and violence had erupted, Cleveland granted the request for federal troops. This action could be justified in terms of the conditions, as Pullman’s Strike was one of the more severe labor disruptions. However, Cleveland’s decision was highly opposed, especially by the Populist party, and many Americans began to fear the unhealthy alliance growing between government and business. The Haymarket Square episode also occurred during Cleveland’s first term, along with the founding of the American Federation of Labor. Rather than make an effort to peacefully cooperate with Union’s and benefit America business as a whole, Cleveland either ignored labor disputes or forcefully shut them down. He allowed the paranoia that government would side with the employer rather than the employee to grow. This allowed for unproductive arguments between Unions and businesses to continue for many years after his presidency.
Influential Decision Cleveland’s most influential decision was not a single event in particular, but rather his ability to enlarge the executive branch’s power. After the Civil War it would appear that Congress or random bribed associates were running the country, but Cleveland put an abrupt stop to this. Much of the government’s actions were based on his views rather than Congress’, and this is easily portrayed though the overwhelming amount of vetoes Cleveland made. Cleveland also restored some of the president’s power when he repealed the Tenure Office Act of 1867, which had been designed specifically to restrain the president by stopping the president from removing certain officers without the Senate’s consent. His aggressive defense that Britain “obey” the Monroe Doctrine during the Venezuelan Border Dispute left a strong example for executive power with foreign policy, as it somewhat defied the previous tradition of neutrality and staying out of foreign affairs.
Conclusion Grover Cleveland was a very blunt man, his views were clearly expressed and stubbornly defended. Throughout his term, his “no government-aid” policy did not help the economic problems America was facing at the time. While he may have had good intentions, his opinions on government-economy cooperation only added to the pains that America was already feeling, and this eventually caused the Panic of 1983 and depression. Cleveland left America exactly where it was, or possibly slightly worse, in both of his terms, and for that he deserves a C.
March 18, 1837 in Caldwell, New Jersey- January 24, 1908 Princeton, New Jersey
Political Party: Democrat
Terms: March 4, 1885- March 4, 1889 & March 4, 1893- March 4, 1897
Vice President(s): First Term-Thomas Hendricks (1885-1889) Second Term-Adlai Stevenson (1893-1897)
Thematic Context
During both Grover Cleveland’s first and second term Americans were struggling to identify themselves with their rapidly evolving nation. Many events and groups sprouted from the citizen’s varying viewpoints and politics was split in ways it never was before. Most prominent was the division in the Republican party. Shortly before Cleveland’s first term, Republicans split into Stalwarts, led by Roscoe Conkling, and Half-Breeds, led by James Blaine. Their separation was due to different views of the spoils system and though at first it seemed to affect only the Republican party itself, it soon affected many other aspects of politics. In fact, Grover Cleveland owes much of his first victory to this quarrel. American Republicans struggled to identify themselves as a united party, and when James Blaine was nominated as the Republican candidate during the 1884 election, Republicans disagreeing with him fled from their party. These deserters, called Mugwumps, joined the Democrats in support of Cleveland, and definitely contributed to his presidential victory. Later, throughout both of Grover Cleveland’s terms, Americans were forced to identify with economic policies, something a bit unfamiliar to them. To begin, there was much controversy on whether gold or silver should become the nation’s currency standard. Americans in debt wanted silver because it allowed them an easier escape from their payments, but others feared the instability that silver could bring. Eventually, this issue caused the Democratic party to split. Also involved with economics, labor disputes and strikes were beginning to become more common in America. Encouraged by the Populist, laborers began to demand fairer wages and other benefits. Both the Pinkerton and Pullman strike raised alarm in Americans over the increasing amount of tension between employers and their employees. When federal troops were sent in to pulverise the Pullman strikers, Americans had two different opinions on the matter. Conservatives were delighted that a strike could be controlled with power, but a massive amount of others feared the relationship between government and businesses. Grover Cleveland was going to be dealing with this issue throughout his terms, especially with the founding of the AFL. All these economic issues that divided the American people also dumped a depression on Cleveland during his second term, one that he did not handle well.
Thesis
Grover Cleveland is the only president to have been elected for two terms non-consecutively, and this causes it to be slightly difficult to judge him as a single president. In both of his terms, Cleveland was faced with an unstable and unsure America, and at times he seemed to have a similar mindset. He was plagued by constant economic troubles, and he did not agree with many of the initiatives that Congress wanted to implement. While his decision to repeal the Sherman Silver Purchase Act somewhat helped to lessen the depression, it was largely opposed, much like Cleveland’s deal with J.P Morgan to provide gold to the nation’s dwindling reserve. By the end of his second term, Cleveland had done little to relieve the economic problems of America, and for this he deserves a C.
Goals
In his first inaugural address Grover Cleveland expressed his concern for the corruption that was spreading through politics at the time. He stressed the importance of compromise and putting aside private interests for the sake of the common good. He also spoke to the people, and announced that while the government upholds the Constitution and is sworn to protect it, it is also each individual citizen's responsibility to do the same. Cleveland attacked the politicians who were bribed and serving their party rather than the people, stating that their job was to work for the general welfare and not themselves. Cleveland also added that of course America should practice it’s long standing tradition of neutrality involving foreign affairs. Interestingly enough, Grover Cleveland has a small subsection in his first address that the Native Americans occupying the West must be treated “fairly and honestly”. The Dawes Severalty Act and other events involving Natives at the time blatantly defy this statement, and show that “welfare interests” were only truly cared about in the “American” citizens. Overall, Cleveland managed to somewhat integrate his goals into his first term, as he passed the Hatch Act of 1887 to aid agricultural education and founded the Interstate Commerce Act to harness the rampant corruption stemming from the Railroad business (though it was more a nice thought than an action since the ICC was relatively useless until Theodore Roosevelt’s term). In his second inaugural address, Cleveland wastes no time in announcing what he believes is the people’s direct problem. He believed that their own corruption and violence was hindering the government from doing its job, and that personal integrity was the key to improvement. Cleveland also expressed his concern for a “sound and stable currency”. This goal was most likely the reason why Cleveland decided to repeal the Sherman Silver Purchase Act. Also just as apparent in his actions as it was in his speech, Grover Cleveland made it clear that the government would give no economic favor to any group. This was to be expected, as Cleveland had always practiced a “hands-off” policy when it came to the government aiding Americans economically. This stubborn mindset is partially what contributed to the depression that occurred in his second term.
Relationship with Congress
During his first term, Cleveland’s fellow Democrats had the majority in the House, but the Republicans had the majority in the Senate. The scale was relatively even, with no party having a significant amount more than the other. During his second term Cleveland seemed relatively secure, having a Democrat majority in both the House and Senate. But in the last two years of his term, the majority flipped to the Republicans, with a massive switch in the House. Cleveland clearly did not mind telling Congress no, as `he vetoed more bills in his two terms than all ,previous presidents combined. His first term alone, he vetoed 414 bills, followed by 170 in his second term. He did not agree with “pork barrel” spending, and one of his most known vetoes was denying Texas drought-stricken farmers government provided seeds. Cleveland also denied nearly all bills pertaining to veteran benefits, which hurt him politically and most likely caused him to lose to Benjamin Harrison. Even when the Wilson-Gorman Tariff was passed in 1894, Cleveland had refused to sign it. Cleveland’s relationship with Congress was only truly productive when Congress did what Cleveland wanted.
Positive Event
The issue of silver was detrimental to America’s economy, and the Panic of 1893, which was followed by a depression, highlighted this. The nation’s gold reserves were being quickly depleted, and America was at risk of falling off the gold standard. If the continuous cycle of silver-gold exchange were to continue, America would almost certainly have been in serious danger. Grover Cleveland acknowledged this, and in 1893 he repealed the previous Sherman Silver Purchase Act of 1890, which was what he believed to be the main contributor in draining the gold reserves. This set clear that gold, not silver, would be the nation’s standard currency. When it was followed by Cleveland’s deal with J. P Morgan to ensure a temporary supply of gold, America’s economy was made slightly more stable. While by no means curing the economy or relieving some of the effects of the panic, this decision by Cleveland did help push America away from the hype of silver, though it pushed Cleveland’s party further away from him.
Negative Event
Though controversial, Cleveland’s attempt at harnessing strikes and labor unions was probably the most negative event in his presidency. During the Pullman Strike, where entire sections of the nation were unable to use the railroad and violence had erupted, Cleveland granted the request for federal troops. This action could be justified in terms of the conditions, as Pullman’s Strike was one of the more severe labor disruptions. However, Cleveland’s decision was highly opposed, especially by the Populist party, and many Americans began to fear the unhealthy alliance growing between government and business. The Haymarket Square episode also occurred during Cleveland’s first term, along with the founding of the American Federation of Labor. Rather than make an effort to peacefully cooperate with Union’s and benefit America business as a whole, Cleveland either ignored labor disputes or forcefully shut them down. He allowed the paranoia that government would side with the employer rather than the employee to grow. This allowed for unproductive arguments between Unions and businesses to continue for many years after his presidency.
Influential Decision
Cleveland’s most influential decision was not a single event in particular, but rather his ability to enlarge the executive branch’s power. After the Civil War it would appear that Congress or random bribed associates were running the country, but Cleveland put an abrupt stop to this. Much of the government’s actions were based on his views rather than Congress’, and this is easily portrayed though the overwhelming amount of vetoes Cleveland made. Cleveland also restored some of the president’s power when he repealed the Tenure Office Act of 1867, which had been designed specifically to restrain the president by stopping the president from removing certain officers without the Senate’s consent. His aggressive defense that Britain “obey” the Monroe Doctrine during the Venezuelan Border Dispute left a strong example for executive power with foreign policy, as it somewhat defied the previous tradition of neutrality and staying out of foreign affairs.
Conclusion
Grover Cleveland was a very blunt man, his views were clearly expressed and stubbornly defended. Throughout his term, his “no government-aid” policy did not help the economic problems America was facing at the time. While he may have had good intentions, his opinions on government-economy cooperation only added to the pains that America was already feeling, and this eventually caused the Panic of 1983 and depression. Cleveland left America exactly where it was, or possibly slightly worse, in both of his terms, and for that he deserves a C.
Bibliography
Cleveland, Grover. "Grover Cleveland: First Inaugural Address. U.S. Inaugural Addresses. 1989." Bartleby.com. Bartleby Bookstore, n.d. Web. 21 Apr. 2013. <http://www.bartleby.com/124/pres37.html>.
Cleveland, Grover. "Grover Cleveland: Second Inaugural Address. U.S. Inaugural Addresses. 1989." Bartleby.com. Bartleby Bookstore, n.d. Web. 21 Apr. 2013. <http://www.bartleby.com/124/pres39.html>.
DeGregorio, William A. The Complete Book of US Presidents. Seventh ed. New York: Barricade, 2009. Print.
"Impact and Legacy." American President: Grover Cleveland: Impact and Legacy. Miller Center, n.d. Web. 21 Apr. 2013. <http://millercenter.org/president/cleveland/essays/biography/9>.
"Party Divisions of the House of Representatives*." History, Art & Archives. House.gov, n.d. Web. 21 Apr. 2013. <http://history.house.gov/Institution/Party-Divisions/Party-Divisions/>.
"Presidential Vetoes ." History, Art & Archives. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Mar. 2013. <http://history.house.gov/Institution/Presidential-Vetoes/Presidential-Vetoes/>.
"U.S. Senate: Art & History Home Origins & Development Party Division." United States Senate. Senate.gov, n.d. Web. 21 Apr. 2013. <http://www.senate.gov/pagelayout/history/one_item_and_teasers/partydiv.htm>.